Dick Barbour Motorsports moves to LMP900 for 2002

(December 18, 2001 Toronto On.) In the past two seasons Dick Barbour
has led his team to two American LeMans Series Championships. In 2000
it was the GT Championship with Porsche and in 2001 it was the LMP675
Championship with Reynard.
Dick ...

(December 18, 2001 Toronto On.) In the past two seasons Dick Barbour
has led his team to two American LeMans Series Championships. In 2000
it was the GT Championship with Porsche and in 2001 it was the LMP675
Championship with Reynard.

Dick Barbour Motorsports is pleased to announce their plans for the 2002
American LeMans Series including the 24 Hours of LeMans, with today's
launch of their two car Panoz Mugen 07 team. As stated by Team Principal
Dick Barbour : "It is every team's dream to compete for an overall
championship and we have worked very hard the past couple of years and
now feel that we are ready and able to move to LMP 900. We are delighted
that Mugen has chosen Dick Barbour Motorsports and I am confident that
the beautiful Panoz 07 will be a very competitive car. Our technical
partnership with Multimatic will give us the support that we need to
challenge the factory efforts. This is a multi year program, and we
know that we will be competing with the best and we are eager for the
challenge"

Satoshi Katsumata, Executive Director and Assistant General Manager,
Motorsports Business Dept. of Mugen stated that: "we look forward to
being involved in the American LeMans Series, and with our new sports
car engine, we need to be with a strong team capable of winning, we know
with Dick Barbour we can achieve strong results".

Don Panoz, founder of Panoz Motorsports commented: "It is an honor to
participate in the program, with a premier motor manufacture like Mugen
and have representation by a professional team like Dick Barbour".

"Multimatic is very proud that Dick Barbour has chosen to work with us
again and in our expanded role we look forward to working with both
Panoz and Mugen " said Larry Holt, Vice President of Multimatic.

Dick Barbour has also confirmed that 2 of his 2001 drivers will be
returning for the upcoming season, lead by 2001 LMP 675 Champion
Didier de Radigues and John Graham. Mr Luis Arevalo will continue the
commercial support of Dick Barbour Motorsport.

The ALMS season will open at Sebring on March 16th; the Dick Barbour
team will be looking for a record 5th victory in this the 50th
Anniversary of the 12 Hours of Sebring.